Forbes: Iran Turns to Suppression for Fear of Massive Gathering on Cyrus Day
Forbes has reported on the Islamic Republic of Iran's ban on people visiting the tomb of Cyrus the Great. The report states:
In Iran, November 7th is the day to commemorate Cyrus the Great - probably the most well-known king of ancient Iran.
Last year, thousands of Iranians shocked Tehran by gathering on this day, showing the world that Iranian society remains strongly opposed to the ruling regime.
Over the past 48 hours, social media activists across Iran have been using the hashtag #RoozKuroosh to express their opinions and invite people to participate in the gathering.
Fearing a repeat of last year's gathering, the Iranian regime deployed a large number of security forces, conducted military maneuvers, and carried out widespread repressive measures in the cities of Fars province.
Implementing a martial law-like situation, IRGC and police units blocked all roads leading to Pasargadae, the site of the tomb of Cyrus the Great.
The Cyrus Cylinder, considered the oldest human rights declaration in the world, is a relic of Cyrus the Great. The Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards have come under heavy criticism for their ongoing human rights violations.
According to reports, security forces were taking photos of license plates and advising travelers along the route to cross the old road and stay away from Pasargad.
Members of the Revolutionary Guards handed out this notice to passengers in cars and even people walking to Pasargad: "The illegal gathering in Pasargad on the fake day of November 27th was planned by a hostile and anti-regime movement abroad, and participation in this event is considered an example of Article 610 of the Islamic Penal Code, and the perpetrators will be dealt with legally and judicially."
Despite all the restrictive measures, people were traveling to Pasargadae in large groups by car and on foot via different routes, and heavy traffic was evident throughout the area.
Reports indicated that a large crowd was moving towards Pasargadae from different parts of Shiraz. The police had prevented any gathering.
These drastic measures by the regime indicate that Tehran will not tolerate a repeat of protests similar to those of 2009.
The difference today compared to eight years ago is that Tehran, confident in President Barack Obama's policy of appeasement, launched a heavy and bloody crackdown on the masses.
The new administration in Washington is a completely different story.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has spoken on three separate occasions about the Iranian people's desire for freedom.
President Trump has twice declared solidarity with the people of Iran, calling them the first victims of the ruling regime's tyranny.
Source: Voice of America
